Weekend picks for book lovers

Jan. 19, 2013
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'The Fifth Assassin' by Brad Meltzer is a weekend book pick.

by USA TODAY, USA TODAY

by USA TODAY, USA TODAY

What should you read this weekend? USA TODAY's picks for book lovers include Brad Meltzer's explosive new thriller and a Star Wars novel for Han Solo fans.

The Fifth Assassin by Brad Meltzer; Grand Central, 436 pp.; fiction

Since the days of George Washington, American presidents have always had to watch their back when it comes to assassinations. Only four infamous men have ever been successful at cutting down one of our leaders - but wouldn't it be intriguing if they were actually in cahoots with one another, albeit indirectly, and working for the same cause?

That is the fantastic plot point that Brad Meltzer posits in The Fifth Assassin, the second book in the "Culper Ring Trilogy" featuring national archivist and trouble magnet Beecher White.

Right outside the White House, pastors are being attacked and murdered by a killer who's taking great steps to re-create the presidential assassination attempts on Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley and John F. Kennedy, right down to authentic weaponry. Beecher and his mentor Tot investigate and find certain clues that make them wonder if it's just a copycat, or could it be part of an old, malevolent secret society known as the Knights of the Golden Circle?

USA TODAY says *** Â˝ out of four. "Meltzer knows his stuff â?¦An intriguing and well-written look at a what-if scenario interspersed with lots of history."

Han Solo, the fan-favorite Star Wars antihero, is put in an Ocean's Eleven situation in Star Wars: Scoundrels, a tome to tide Solo aficionados over while they wait to see if he shows up in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII movie.

USA TODAY says ***. "Brings freshness to the franchise."

Kinsey and Me: Stories by Sue Grafton; Putnam, 286 pp.; fiction

Short stories by the author of the Alphabet mystery series; includes story about sleuth Kinsey Millhone plus 13 semi-autobiographical Kit Blue stories.

USA TODAY says ****. "Perfect for ĂĽber-fans of Graftonâ?¦ The Kinsey stories and the Kit stories together open a window into Grafton's soul."

Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America's Most Perilous Year by David Von Drehle; Henry Holt, 465 pp.; non-fiction

The author tracks the presidency for exactly a year, beginning on Jan. 1, 1862, as we watch the inexperienced Lincoln cope, change and grow as he faces extraordinary political, military and personal crises.

USA TODAY says * * * . "What sets Von Drehle's outstanding book apart is the craft of his writingâ?¦. it is lean, insightful and often lyrical."

The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier; Dutton, 301 pp.; fiction

A young Quaker Englishwoman arrives in 1850 Ohio and becomes involved with the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves; by the author of Girl With a Pearl Earring.